Médoc and Graves, 2005

2005 has the potential to be one of the great red Bordeaux vintages – consistently characterised by very rich wines, with great structure, huge concentration and lively acidity across all appellations. It could also prove to be one of the longest-lived vintages ever.

It’s all thanks to the weather. A dry growing season with spells of light rain on the lead up to the harvest provided perfect ripening conditions and set the tongues wagging. Total rainfall for the year was around 50% less than average, which caused vine roots to grow deeper in search of moisture. This produced grapes with the highest levels of dry extract, concentration and tannin on record – perfectly petite berries with thick, tannin-rich skins, and the potential for rich, yet fresh wines with good acidity.

First growth châteaux and other top labels’ prices reached new stratospheric levels, yet because it was a great year across the board, there are also many great value Bordeaux to be found from less well-known châteaux in the satellite districts, whose prices are unaffected by the en primeur market – giving everyone the chance to taste this great vintage. 2005 was also a very good year for white Bordeaux – quite big in style, with great concentration. It was an excellent year in Sauternes.

The Wines

A great year for the Médoc. One of the best of the century that promises great future bottle development, with wines containing massive (yet pleasingly ripe and silky) tannin; hugely concentrated, with rich fruit and lively acidity. A great vintage for investors – with the potential of up to 50 years bottle age – hence the weighty price premium. In Margaux and the Graves (Pessac-Léognan) the news just gets even better with a wealth of wines adorned with sweet tannins, wonderful richness and opulence make them more accessible at a younger age than top Médoc châteaux, yet still possess 25+ years longevity.

Médoc and Graves, 2005

2005 has the potential to be one of the great red Bordeaux vintages – consistently characterised by very rich wines, with great structure, huge concentration and lively acidity across all appellations. It could also prove to be one of the longest-lived vintages ever.

It’s all thanks to the weather. A dry growing season with spells of light rain on the lead up to the harvest provided perfect ripening conditions and set the tongues wagging. Total rainfall for the year was around 50% less than average, which caused vine roots to grow deeper in search of moisture. This produced grapes with the highest levels of dry extract, concentration and tannin on record – perfectly petite berries with thick, tannin-rich skins, and the potential for rich, yet fresh wines with good acidity.

First growth châteaux and other top labels’ prices reached new stratospheric levels, yet because it was a great year across the board, there are also many great value Bordeaux to be found from less well-known châteaux in the satellite districts, whose prices are unaffected by the en primeur market – giving everyone the chance to taste this great vintage. 2005 was also a very good year for white Bordeaux – quite big in style, with great concentration. It was an excellent year in Sauternes.

The Wines

A great year for the Médoc. One of the best of the century that promises great future bottle development, with wines containing massive (yet pleasingly ripe and silky) tannin; hugely concentrated, with rich fruit and lively acidity. A great vintage for investors – with the potential of up to 50 years bottle age – hence the weighty price premium. In Margaux and the Graves (Pessac-Léognan) the news just gets even better with a wealth of wines adorned with sweet tannins, wonderful richness and opulence make them more accessible at a younger age than top Médoc châteaux, yet still possess 25+ years longevity.

"What we like about the business is that 'fine' doesn't just mean famous. The first growths and their ilk are here, but in company with some excellent, less well-known, sometimes very limited production wines and often at what seem very reasonable prices."

The Wine Gang, thewinegang.com

"The range is excellent and I don’t just mean that they go right to the very top. There’s something for everyone, whether you want mature first-growth Bordeaux or a little known gem from an estate that’s been in the same family for generations and which you’d be hard-pushed to find anywhere else other than at the cellar door. I’m always finding things I want to try on Cadman’s list."